Watsonians 7

Melrose 31

Atholl Innes

at Myreside

IN a time of crisis, then call on the best.

And Melrose did that when they asked former Scottish hooker, Scott Lawson, to turn out for the club.

The now Director of Rugby at St Andrews University quickly agreed – and not only played a prominent role at Myreside on Saturday, but scored into the bargain.

Lawson, a valuable addition and capped last in 2011, scored the fifth and final try for Melrose as the Scottish champions again set the banner high.

“Scott can play as long as he wants!” said coach Rob Chrystie.

“He helped us out, and he has the varsity match this week. He was outstanding in this match and is off the pitch as well.

“It’s great for our young boys to play alongside people like that.

"Some people might see it as being a negative, but those alongside him know what it takes to play at the top level, and the boys are learning all the time.”

Melrose showed the commitment of Premiership leaders, defending against a determined Watsonians before breaking away for a try in the 10th minute of first-half injury time – and then scoring two more on the restart in seven minutes with James Head in the sin-bin.

“I was really pleased with the result and also the performance,” said Chrystie.

“We defended pretty well in the first half as they had a lot of pressure and territory.

“Watsonians are a very good side. They are a top-four team, and although they had a few boys missing, they will get stronger. But to come up here and get the five points is really pleasing.”

Iain Simm scored the opening try in seven minutes before Watsonians finally managed to get possession with plenty of ball before a slack pass saw Fraser Thomson pick up and run the length of the field for a second try and a 10-0 interval lead.

Head was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time, but despite a man short, Melrose scored twice on the restart through Ruaridh Knott, who had replaced Head, and Iain Moody.

Craig Jackson converted both.

Josh Rowland’s try, converted by Lee Millar, was only mere consolation for the hosts as Lawson was driven over for the fifth, with Jackson converting.

Melrose: F. Thomson; M. Mvelase Julyan, P. Anderson, C. Jackson, I. Simm; S. Hutchison, M. McAndrew; G. Shiells, S. Lawson, R. McLeod, J. Head, A. Runciman, R. Darge, G. Runciman, I. Moody. Replacements: B. McLean, C. Young, R. Knott, B. Colvine, G. Wood.